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My unneutered male dog is bleeding from his penis. What's the cause?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered

My dog is dripping blood from his penis area, he does not seem to be feeling ill, and he is not licking it. He did have some loose stools this week.

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 21st, 2016

I see that your dog is not neutered - I'm not sure how old he is, but in middle-aged or older unneutered males it is common to see blood dripping from the penis as a symptom of an [enlarged prostate](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/prostate-enlargement/). That is normally the first thing that I would check out in a dog with this problem. Other possible causes include an injury or tumor on the penis or the penile sheath, a bladder or prostate infection, bladder stones, kidney disease, or even a systemic bleeding disorder. I would recommend taking him to a vet for an exam - they will probably want to collect a urine sample for testing, check his prostate during a rectal exam, and examine his penis closely outside the sheath to look for any problems. From there, x-rays and ultrasound can be used to look at the prostate, if needed. If the problem is due to prostatic enlargement, this can normally be improved with [neutering](https://www.petcoach.co/article/benefits-of-neutering-castrating-male-dogs-puppies/) and does not typically cause any long-term problems.

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183Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    I recommend getting your dog seen by your vet as soon as possible. He could have an injury or a urinary tract infection that needs veterinary attention. Your vet will do an exam and labwork, possibly x-rays to determine the cause of your dog's bleeding and how best to treat it.

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    78Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 24th, 2018

    I'm wondering if your dog is neutered or not. In dogs who aren't neutered, prostate problems are a very likely cause of bleeding from the penis. These problems include benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. The bleeding could also be caused by a UTI or bladder stones. I would take him into your vet today for an exam. Your vet can do a rectal exam to see if his prostate is enlarged, and can do x-rays, routine blood tests, and a urinalysis to see if he has a UTI or bladder stones. If he does have a problem with his prostate, neutering him is one of the recommended treatments. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Rebeccah Wood

    Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

    Published on September 7th, 2017

    I do worry about a couple of things when there is frank (fresh) blood dripping from an unneutered dog's penis. If there is no visible trauma, the first thing that comes to mind is a urinary tract infection. Infections in the bladder can cause irritation of the urinary tissues, and may cause bleeding. This is usually associated with an increase in the frequency of urination. Additionally, older dogs that are not neutered can develop prostate issues. Prostatitis can be caused by an infection, a benign tumor, or a malignant cancer. Obama should visit the veterinarian to determine the cause of the blood as it could be serious - at the very least, it is most likely uncomfortable for him. The vet will likely check a urine sample for blood and bacteria, and may start with oral antibiotic treatment if either or both are found. They will also likely recommend neutering Obama to prevent future issues, including certain types of cancer. Good luck, and I hope Obama gets well soon!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 20th, 2018

    Poor Ranger! In dogs who aren't neutered, prostate problems are a very likely cause of bleeding from the penis. These problems include benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. The bleeding could also be caused by a UTI or bladder stones. I would take him into your vet this weekend or Monday for an exam. Your vet can do a rectal exam to see if his prostate is enlarged, and can do x-rays, routine blood tests, and a urinalysis to see if he has a UTI or bladder stones. If he does have a problem with his prostate, neutering him is one of the recommended treatments. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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